The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)

IMDb plot summary: A look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time.

Directed by Penelope Spheeris.

The Decline of Western Civilization is a documentary focusing on the L.A. punk music scene in the late 70s. There are interviews with fans, critics, and various bands hoping to make it big. This is a fascinating look at a music scene I don't really know much about, approached with curiosity and open-mindedness while also acknowledging the violence, misogyny, and substance abuse rampant in the community. This was early days in the punk scene, and so it was especially fascinating to look up all these bands that were just starting out and see what became of them. Some had moderate success, some less so, and one disbanded shortly after filming this because the lead singer died. It's interesting to see the wide variety of attitudes of those involved in the scene -- there truly isn't a coherent set of values or interests other than just wanting to rebel. Overall, an interesting documentary that admirably seeks to explore more than to explain.

🎥 The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)

📊 Ranked #1456/4289 on my Flickchart

🎯 Flickscore™: 66

beat Real Life (#2155 → #2160)

lost to Hoop Dreams (#1094 → #1115)

beat The Long Day Closes (#1623 → #1612)

lost to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (#1366 → #1194)

beat An Education (#1495 → #1580)

lost to The Harvey Girls (#1431 → #1418)

lost to Nine to Five (#1462 → #1449)

beat The Secret of NIMH (#1478 → #1530)

beat The Song of Lunch (#1470 → #1441)

beat Westfront 1918 (#1466 → #1491)

beat The Cable Guy (#1464 → #1437)

beat How to Survive a Plague (#1463 → #1456)